Other conditions decisions — 2009

The Board granted service connection for residuals of a human bite to the chest, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the veteran.

The veteran did not file a timely substantive appeal, and his claims for service connection for a right elbow disorder and higher initial evaluation for left great toe arthralgia were dismissed.

The Board granted a 10 percent disability rating for the veteran's residuals of multiple lipomata of the trunk and upper arms, effective January 19, 2001. The Board also granted an initial 70 percent evaluation for PTSD.

The Board found that the veteran's aortic valve disease did not warrant an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent from January 5, 1998, to May 7, 2001, and did not meet the criteria for TDIU prior to May 8, 2001.

The case is remanded to schedule a local hearing for the appellant before a Veterans Law Judge.

The appeal is remanded to the RO for review of additional evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for an upper thoracic spine condition, finding no evidence of a nexus between the condition and his military service.

The veteran's back disorder was rated at 20 percent prior to June 20, 2008, and increased to 40 percent as of that date. The initial evaluations for gastroenteritis did not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of an ulcer, as there was no evidence to support a finding that his condition was related to his military service.

The veteran's pre-existing left foot disorder was aggravated by active service, and the claim for a left foot disorder has been reopened. The claims for secondary service connection for left leg and hip disorders are remanded.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for a chronic thoracic muscle strain was denied as the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The veteran's claim for total disability based upon individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) was remanded for a new VA examination and opinion.

The Board determined that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim for DIC benefits.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a liver disorder and a neurological disorder, finding no evidence that either condition was related to his military service or any herbicide exposure.

The veteran's death was caused by colon cancer, which is presumed to have been incurred in service due to exposure to radiation during his active duty.

The Board finds that it is as likely as not that the veteran's right foot corns are a result of the boots he wore during his tour in the Persian Gulf, and grants service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for loss of memory and concentration, as well as shortness of breath, finding no evidence to support a link between these conditions and his active military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a dental disorder, asbestosis, and bilateral hearing loss due to lack of evidence supporting these conditions.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death.

The appellant was denied recognition as the veteran's surviving spouse for VA death benefits purposes because she did not live continuously with the veteran from the date of marriage to the date of his death.